Device for reusable integrated circuit tape and reel

ABSTRACT

A reusable device for transporting integrated circuits comprising a hub having a substantially cylindrical shape, a top surface, and a bottom surface, a top flange for connecting to the top surface of the hub and a bottom flange for connecting to the bottom surface of the hub, a tape mechanism for holding the integrated circuits during shipment, and a lock mechanism located on the hub for locking the top and bottom flanges into place on the hub whereby the hub and top and bottom flanges, when assembled, form a reel for shipment of the integrated circuits.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to integrated circuit tape and reel packing and more particularly to device for a reusable integrated circuit tape and reel packing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A tape and reel device is commonly used for the shipping of packaged integrated circuits. The tape and reel device provides for the seating of the integrated circuits into the tape device which is then wound around the reel. The tape and reel are designed as shown in FIG. 1a and 1 b. The system 10 comprises a tape 12 (shown in FIG. 1a) which can be configured to secure integrated circuits 14 for shipping to customers. The tape includes a chain of embossed pockets 16 in which the integrated circuits 14 are directly seated and a covering material 18 which is attached to the chain of embossed pockets 16 as a means of securing the integrated circuits 14 into the embossed pockets 16. As shown in FIG. 1b the reel 20 is a one-piece design having two end pieces 24 integrally formed with a center portion 22.

[0003] While the tape and reel device provides a means of transporting integrated circuits, it is desirable to provide a device which can be returned and reused cost effectively. While the design of the tape does not lend itself to return and reuse, the reuse of the reel would provide numerous benefits including the decrease in production of waste. Currently, the size of the one-piece reel used in tape and reel packing for integrated circuits is too great for cost effective return and reuse. While some reel devices are currently returned for reuse, the majority of reels are going into landfills. Thus, “design for reuse” will take an increasingly important role in the future of semiconductor product shipping. The present invention makes it more practical and cost effective to return the reels for reuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by preferred embodiments of the present invention which is a reusable tape and reel device for transport of integrated circuits. The device comprises a hub having a substantially cylindrical shape, a top surface, and a bottom surface, a top flange removably connected to the top surface of the hub and a bottom flange removably connected to the bottom surface of the hub. The device further comprises a tape mechanism for holding the integrated circuits during shipment and a lock mechanism located on the top and bottom surfaces for locking the top and bottom flanges into place on the hub whereby the hub and top and bottom flanges, when assembled, form a reel for shipment of the integrated circuits. The device can be disassembled and prepared for shipment by rotating the top flange and bottom flanges to disengage the flanges from the hub and stacking the top and bottom flanges for return in layers.

[0005] One advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it makes the return and reuse of reels cost effective.

[0006] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it provides a more cost effective design to stack, store, and return reels for reuse.

[0007] Yet another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the preferred embodiment standardizes the parts of the reel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1a and 1 b illustrate a prior art tape and reel packing;

[0009]FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment flange of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment flange of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a top view of the preferred embodiment hub of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hub and locking mechanism of the preferred embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 7 illustrates the foam collar of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIGS. 8a, b, and c illustrate a method of assembling the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016]FIG. 9 illustrates stacking of the flange of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The reel 30 comprises a hub 32 and flanges 34. The hub 32 has a substantially cylindrical shape facilitating the winding of a tape (see FIG. 1a) containing integrated circuits (not shown) around the side 38 of the hub 32. It should be appreciated, however, that the shape of the hub 32 can be any shape which will effectively allow the tape to be wound around the hub 32. The hub 32 further comprises end surfaces 40. The flanges 34 are designed to connect to the surfaces 40 of the hub 32. Once the flanges 34 are connected to the hub 32, the reel 30 is formed for transport of integrated circuits.

[0018] The flanges 34 can take any form but are preferably circular in shape as shown in the detailed top view of FIG. 3. The flanges 34 are comprised of any suitable material for shipping integrated circuits, but are preferably a low cost anti-static material such as, but not limited to, plastic. The diameter of the flanges 34 is determined by the number of integrated circuits to be shipped on the reel. The flanges 34 should have a diameter that can provide secure shipment and coverage for the desired number of integrated circuits to be transported.

[0019] At least one of the flanges 34 comprises a center opening 46 which accepts a spindle (not shown). The spindle holds the reel to facilitate the unwinding and removal of the individual integrated circuits from the tape. Generally the spindle is part of machinery that peels back the covering material to expose the integrated circuits for removal from the tape. Rotational lock holes 48 are placed around each of the flange 34 to coincide with the placement of a locking mechanism 52 (shown in FIG. 5) on the hub 32. Preferably, four rotational lock holes 48 are included on each flange 34 to provide multiple opportunities to secure the flanges 34 to the hub 32. The flanges 34 may also contain ventilation cut outs 63 that may be formed in any pattern.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the flanges 34 further include a plurality of hooks 54 integrally formed on an inside surface 56 of the flanges 34. The hooks 54 extend around the internal circumference of the flanges 34 and are alternately placed between stacking slots 57. The hooks 54 are preferably L-shaped having a first leg 58 extending perpendicularly from the inside surface 56 and a second leg 59 extending perpendicularly from the first leg 58 and horizontal to the inside surface 56. The first and second legs, 58 and 59, respectively, form a recess 61. The stacking slots 57 facilitate a cost effective method of return of the flanges 34. The hooks 54 are designed to stack within the stacking slots 57 during return as will be described below.

[0021] The hooks 54 are preferably about ⅓ inch in length although they can be any length which will facilitate a secure fit with the wings (described below and shown in FIG. 5). The stacking slots 57 preferably have a thickness of about {fraction (1/16)} inch. For illustrative purposes, the hooks 54 are shown facing toward the center opening 46. However, the hooks 54 could also be implemented facing left or right in line with the stacking slots 57.

[0022] The hub 32 is shown in more detail in the top view illustration of FIG. 5. The hub 32 can have any diameter but is generally in the range of about four inches to seven inches. The surfaces 40 preferably have a substantially circular outer shape and an irregular inner edge. The inner edge comprises wings 60 between which are formed notches 42. The wings 60 are equal in number to the hooks 54, but are preferably 12 in number. This large number of wings 60 ensures proper attachment of the flanges 34 to the hub 32 in the event of damage to some of the wings 60. The wings 60 are designed to fit securely within the recess 61 formed by the hooks 54.

[0023] A spindle hole 62 is located in the center of the hub 32 to facilitate placement of a spindle through the hub 32. This spindle hole 62 will align with the center opening 46 of both flanges 34 providing a channel in which the spindle rests.

[0024] The cantilevered locking mechanism 52 is located in the same plane of each of the top and bottom surfaces 40 of the hub 32. The locking mechanism 52 includes at lease one, and preferably four, push button lock 50. Multiple push button locks 50 ensure sufficient locking of the flanges 34 to the hub 32. The push button locks 50 are shown in detail in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. The four push button locks 50 are designed with two oppositely located push button locks 50 rising above the plane formed by each of the surfaces 40.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 7, the hub 32 is a universal hub having a standard diameter d. In this embodiment, the diameter d of the hub 32 can be extended utilizing a collar 66 made of a pliable anti-static material, preferably foam. The collar 66 has the same shape of the hub, i.e. substantially circular, and is designed to be fitted over the hub 32 giving the hub 32 a larger diameter. The collar 66 is designed in different sizes to fit hubs with various widths.

[0026] In operation, the flanges 34 are brought toward the hub 32 and rotated as shown in FIG. 8a. A locking or unlocking position can be defined with reference to clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. Clockwise rotation of the flanges 34 will lock the flanges 34 to the hub 32. The locking of the flanges 34 to the hub 32 is accomplished by moving the flanges 34 from an unengaged position to a fully engaged position. The unengaged position is defined as the position in which the hooks 54 fit down over the surfaces 40 of the hub 32 and into the notches 42 formed between the wings 60. The unengaged position is shown in FIG. 8b. At this unengaged position, the push button locks 50 are pressed down by the opaque regions of the flanges 34. When the flanges 34 are rotated to a fully engaged position, the hooks of the flange become engaged with the wings 60 of the hub as shown in FIG. 8c. The wings 60 of the hub 32 fit securely within the recess 61. At this fully engaged position the push button locks 50 are aligned with the rotational lock holes 48 on the flanges 34. The pressure on the push button locks 50 is thus alleviated allowing the push button locks 50 to spring up through the rotational lock holes 48 to secure the flanges 34 to the hub 32. At this point the flanges 34 cannot be rotated any further without applying pressure to the push button locks 50.

[0027] To unlock the flanges 34 for return and transport back to the semiconductor manufacturer the flanges 34 are rotated in a direction counter to the direction defined with reference to locking the flanges 34 to the hub 32. This is accomplished by applying pressure to the push button locks 50. When pressure is applied to the push button locks 50, the flanges 34 may be rotated in the counter direction to bring the flanges 34 into the unengaged position where wings are no longer seated within the recess 61. The flanges 34 can then be removed from the hub 32 by moving the flanges 34 away from the hub 32.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention also facilitate a cost effective method of stacking the flanges 34 for return and transport. As shown in FIG. 9, each of a set of three flanges 34 stack with the hooks 54 facing up and inside one of the adjacent stacking slot 57 of another of the flanges 34. Each flange 34 is rotated to fit in the stacking slot 57 of another flange 34, generally 10°. The flanges will be directly in contact minimizing warping of the flanges 34 during the return shipment.

[0029] The length of the stacking slots 57 are designed to allow the stacking of any number of flanges, however, consideration must be given to the amount of space taken by the stacking slots 57. The longer the stacking slots 57, the fewer the number of hooks 54 which can be placed on the flange. Careful consideration should be given to the number of hooks 54 to ensure secure attachment to the hub 32. The hub 32 can be shipped in separate boxes sorted by hub width.

[0030] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for transporting integrated circuits comprising: a hub having a substantially cylindrical shape, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a top flange removably connected to the top surface of the hub, the top flange also having a spindle hole; a bottom flange removably connected to the bottom surface of the hub; a tape mechanism for holding the integrated circuits during shipment; and a lock mechanism located on the top and bottom surfaces for locking the top and bottom flanges into place on the hub; whereby the hub and top and bottom flanges when assembled form a reel for shipment of the integrated circuits.
 2. The device as in claim 1 wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the hub comprise a series of wings along an inner edge of the top and bottom surfaces.
 3. The device as in claim 2 wherein top and bottom flanges comprise a plurality of hooks, the plurality of hooks forming a recess in which the series of wings are seated when the reel is assembled.
 4. The device as in claim 3 wherein the top and bottom flanges further comprise a plurality of slots alternately disposed between the hooks, the slots utilized for stacking the top and bottom flanges.
 5. The device as in claim 4 wherein the number of wings and plurality of hooks are equal in number.
 6. The device as in claim 5 wherein the number of wings and the number of hooks equal twelve in number.
 7. The device as in claim 1 wherein the top and bottom flanges have a substantially circular shape.
 8. The device as in claim 7 wherein the top and bottom flanges have a diameter of about thirteen inches.
 9. The device as in claim 1 wherein the hub has a spindle hole through which a spindle may be located to facilitate unwinding of the tape mechanism from around the hub.
 10. The device as in claim 1 wherein locking mechanism comprises a push button lock on the top and bottom surfaces of the hub.
 11. The device as in claim 10 wherein the top and bottom flanges each comprise a lock hole in which the push button lock on the top surface will engage with the lock hole on the top flange and the push button lock on the bottom surface will engage with the lock hole on the bottom surface.
 12. The device as in claim 1 wherein the hub, top flange, and bottom flange are made of an anti-static material.
 13. The device as in claim 12 wherein the anti-static material is plastic.
 14. The device as in claim 1 wherein the hub has a uniform diameter of four to seven inches.
 15. The device as in claim 14 wherein the hub has a sleeve having a substantially circular shape, the foam sleeve designed to fit around the hub whereby the diameter of the hub can be increased.
 16. The device as in claim 15 wherein the sleeve is made of a foam material.
 17. The device of claim 3 wherein the plurality of hooks of the top and bottom flanges extend one-eighth of an inch from a surface of the top and bottom flanges.
 18. A device for transporting integrated circuits comprising: a hub having a substantially cylindrical shape, a top surface, and a bottom surface, the top and bottom surfaces having a series of wings along an outer edge of the top and bottom surfaces; a top and a bottom flange each comprising a plurality of hooks which form a recess in which the series of wings are seated when the reel is assembled and a plurality of rotational lock holes; a tape mechanism for holding the integrated circuits during shipment, the tape mechanism designed to be wound around the hub and between the top and bottom flanges; and a lock mechanism having bush button locks which are designed to align with the rotational lock holes to define a locked and unlocked position; whereby the hub and top and bottom flange when assembled forms a tape and reel device for shipment of the integrated circuits.
 19. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is made of an anti-static material.
 20. The device of claim 1 wherein the hub has a constant diameter of four to seven inches.
 21. The device of claim 1 wherein the hub has a foam sleeve having a substantially circular shape, the foam sleeve designed to fit around the hub whereby the diameter of the hub can be increased as needed.
 22. The device of claim 1 wherein the series of wings comprise 12 wings.
 23. The device of claim 1 wherein the hooks of the top and bottom flanges extend one-eighth of an inch from a surface of the top and bottom flanges.
 24. A method of assembling a reel of a tape and reel device comprising: attaching a first flange to a first end of a hub having a locking mechanism; locking the first flange by rotating the first flange until the locking mechanism is engaged; attaching a second flange to a second end of a hub having a locking mechanism; and locking the second flange by rotating the second flange until the locking mechanism is engaged.
 25. The method as in claim 23 wherein the top and bottom flanges comprise rotational lock holes.
 26. The method as in claim 24 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a push button lock which engages when rotated into alignment with the rotational lock holes.
 27. A method of disassembling and preparing for shipment a device for transporting integrated circuits, the device including a hub having a series of wings disposed on the hub and having top and bottom flanges having hooks coupled with the series of grooves on the hub, the method comprising: rotating the top flange and bottom flanges to disengage the hooks from the series of wings; and stacking the top and bottom flanges for return in layers such that the hooks of each flange abuts through the stacking slot of another flange. 